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FeedChild’s Play
When designing the perfect space for kids, it’s all about personality.
(page 1 of 3)
W
hen Lisa and David Semerjian moved into their Berwyn home two years ago, daughters Lauren and Amanda had the chance to pick their bedrooms and how they wanted them decorated. Naturally, these were the only two rooms in the house (custom built by their father) that the girls would have a role in designing—and that was fine with them.
Lisa offered guidance throughout the design process. “I wanted to make sure the rooms were ones that the girls could grow into,” she says. “I wanted them to reflect their likes and personalities. I didn’t want to have to redecorate in another six years.”
For first-timers, the girls were surprisingly decisive. They knew exactly what they wanted—and the end result was two rooms that had a completely different feel and character. After years of spending summers at the beach, Lauren, 12, can’t get enough of the ocean and sand. And although she hasn’t tried it herself, she loves the idea of surfing. All of which inspired every last detail of her retro-themed bedroom, from the picture book by pioneering surf photographer Leroy Grannis to the skimboard that doubles as a small table in front of the window seat.
The parents’ creativity entered the mix in the form of an idea to repurpose vintage surfboards from a shop in Ocean City, N.J. They’re now a headboard—and a grass skirt replaces a traditional bed skirt.
Not just any ceiling fan would work in such a unique space, so the Semerjians tracked down the perfect complement for the room’s beachy vibe from the Indiana-based company Fanimation. Its Punkah model features large palm-leaf blades that wave rather than spin. “Lauren loves the movie Gidget; we’ve watched it so many times,” says Lisa. “This room has a Gidget feel to it.”
Rest assured, Lauren loves her space—and so do her friends.
A few steps down the hall, Amanda’s bedroom couldn’t feel any different from her sister’s. The 11-year-old imagined a more grown-up, princess-like atmosphere. “Amanda wanted a beautiful room—she’s definitely a girl’s girl,” says Lisa. “It was fun to decorate.”
Pink and brown—Amanda’s favorite colors—inspired the room’s décor. Its furniture is sophisticated, with a shiny nickel poster bed and a deep-chocolate-brown armoire that conceals a television and stores clothing. A sitting area in front of a bay window features a brown velvet settee complete with handmade pillows in pinks and browns, and an Oriental carpet in similar shades. An aqua-blue ottoman brings a burst of color to the space.
The bedroom’s focal point is located above the seating area: a turret ceiling faux-painted with clouds and an elegant crystal chandelier hanging below. Lest anyone forget this is a girl’s bedroom, pictures of teen heartthrob Nick Jonas on the night stand and a framed portrait of Disney characters serve as reassuring reminders.
Looking ahead, the Semerjians will have a beautiful guest room for visitors when Amanda heads off to college.
When it comes to children’s bedrooms, décor options are endless. When weighing those options, keep in mind that the room should be a place for alone time—where they can think, imagine, dream, relax, play and do all the other things children do. Making them part of the room’s design process is a great way to instill a sense of ownership.
“We were lucky that our daughters had a very clear idea of what they wanted for their rooms,” says Lisa. “We didn’t have any disagreements.”
But many times, when parents and children work together, compromise has to come into the mix. “Negotiation is key during this process,” says Lisa. “You defin-itely have to pick your battles.”
When daughter Lauren wanted bright blue paint for her bedroom, Lisa had to intervene and explain why the color would be too overpowering for the space. “Children shouldn’t be expected to make all the decisions,” she says. “Parents have to be a part of the process.”
